There aren't enough people in Clark County trained to safely abate lead paint, according to public health officials.
That's why Clark County Combined Health District plans to host a free, week-long course to train people how to safely remove and contain lead-based paint from surfaces according to EPA standards.
Caroline Quelette, with the county health district, said it is dangerous it is for children six years and younger who are exposed to or who ingest lead paint.
"We're concerned about children six and younger because their bodies are still developing and growing," Quelette said. "We see a lot of behavioral issues, learning issues, and unfortunately, whatever a child develops from this lead poisoning, it's permanent. So we can get the child's blood level to go down. But whatever that child develops because of the lead poisoning, it can't go away."
Lead poisoning in adults can cause weight loss, fatigue, stomach pain, and seizures. It can cause this and more in very young children, including developmental delays, irritability, loss of appetite, and hearing loss.
Public health problem
More than 67% of all housing units in Ohio were built before 1980 and are likely to contain some lead-based paint on interior or exterior surfaces, according to state data.
Each year, Ohio Department of Health reports around 160,000 children from birth to 6 years of age are screened for lead poisoning in Ohio and currently, less than 3% are found to have confirmed lead levels 5 micrograms per deciliter or greater. Ohio’s children have elevated lead levels in their blood at more than two times the national rate, according to a 2021 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Quelette also said Clark County has a shortage of lead abatement experts.
"In Clark County, we have 39 properties that are placarded for lead, which again means that nobody can live there until it's remediated. So the more contractors that we have, the more chances there are for them to help remediate these properties," Quelette said.
Free classes
Clark County's lead abatement classes will run 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May 12-16. All materials, testing fees and lunch is provided.
Participants who successfully complete the five-day lead abatement course and pass the state test will be reimbursed for lost wages.
Register online. For any questions, call 937-390-5600
